Chapter 67: Pledge Allegiance to Me

Sixth rank! That was already equivalent to the early stage of a martial artist returning to the true self.

A flicker of surprise flashed in the masked youth's eyes, yet most of his astonishment was reserved for Ji Tianxin herself.

He did not pursue the matter further, but instead turned his gaze to the small black ball of fur, which, upon hearing Ji Tianxin’s intention to eat it, had shrunk back in fear.

“Tianxin, do you know what it is?” The youth’s lips curled in a faint smile.

His direct use of her name carried a hint of intimacy, as if the two were old acquaintances.

“A gluttonous creature,” Ji Tianxin replied, her tone still cool, but with a clear note of disdain.

The youth could not help but let out a soft laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” Ji Tianxin looked up at him, puzzled.

He pressed his lips together, “I was thinking—if this little one follows you, won’t it be fighting you for food in the future?”

Ji Tianxin glanced at the black ball of fur staring at her with wide, eager eyes and let out a soft snort. “I don’t want it.”

The youth thoroughly agreed; if not for the fact that this little thing had just eaten someone and might taste bad, Tianxin would have already had him braise the culprit.

This rare display of protectiveness over her food, coupled with her words, gave Ji Tianxin an uncharacteristic air of girlishness—so endearing that he could hardly resist the urge to scoop her into his arms.

But he held back, fearing she might not like it.

His eyes, however, were filled with tenderness and fondness as he looked at her.

At that moment, the surrounding forest rustled—a sign that the various factions were closing in.

Ji Tianxin glanced at the swaying treetops, and in her soft, childish voice, uttered two words: “What a bother.”

“If trouble bothers you, I’ll deal with it for you.” The youth’s lips parted in a cool, dangerous promise; his demeanor was composed and confident.

Ji Tianxin looked at him and, for once, curved her lips in a small smile. “All right.”

Those two words, light as a spring breeze, sent a wave of delight through his heart.

Nevertheless, Ji Tianxin stepped toward the little black ball of fur.

The newborn beast was covered in sleek, glossy black hair; its ears drooped like those of a puppy, and its blood-red eyes gazed unblinkingly at Ji Tianxin.

It was a young Taotie—this was her first time seeing one in its infancy.

Its mind had yet to awaken, a state of primal chaos. Everything it did was guided by instinct alone.

The Taotie she remembered was as tall as a tree, exuding a fierce, bloody aura, devouring anything and everything—even a mountain could not sate its hunger.

She had never been fond of Taotie.

Moreover, she seemed to recall slaying one in the past, though when exactly that had happened, she could no longer remember—only that it was long ago.

She raised her hand, placing her palm atop the little Taotie’s head. It sat there motionless like a well-behaved puppy.

Ji Tianxin closed her eyes, and from the contact point between her palm and the Taotie’s forehead, a burst of white light radiated.

Using her soul, she spoke: “You are newly awakened to chaos, ignorant of heaven and earth. If you wish to follow me, bow your head and accept me as your master. When you come of age and your memories return, you may leave of your own accord.”

Her childish yet cold voice carried an inviolable, sacred authority, echoing in its soul like a great bell.

The youth seemed to understand what she was doing and did not disturb her. Instead, he remained by her side, his gaze cold and watchful, keeping guard against the approaching, chaotic footsteps rustling ever closer through the forest.